Deontological ethics

What Is Deontology?

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• published: 20 Jul 2016
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What Is Deontological Ethics - Deontology? Is Duty a Principle to Determine if Something Is Ethical? What Is the Basis of Deontological Ethics? Deontology or deontological ethics is the study of moral duty and is one of the major categories of normative ethics. It teaches that ethical behavior starts with an established, defined duty. An act, then, is ethical if it adheres to duty. There is some discussion, however, as to who dictates duty and whether ethical behavior is based strictly on adherence to rules or if the will of the acting agent has a role. Moral absolutism is unique in secular ethics in that it is the only school of thought that places the standard for morality outside of the judgment of the acting agent. Also, the standard is not dependent on the situation or the outcome of the action. Moral absolutism is based on one of three possible authorities: Natural Law - Natural law theory is the philosophy that everything in nature is subject to a particular way of acting that will best enable it to fulfill that nature. The law as it applies to humanity is based on human nature and can be determined by carefully considering that universal nature of mankind which is independent of culture and era. Ironically, although natural law is supposedly derived from the universality of human nature, philosophers can't agree on what the key points of natural law should be. They usually include life, procreation, and some kind of personal fulfillment. Contractual Agreements - Two of the most basic rules in society are that individuals will not harm each other and individuals will not lie. Contractarianism is the belief that a contract or promise automatically gives moral weight to the actions necessary to fulfill that contract. The "contract" may be a voluntarily agreed-upon list of obligations or the assumed responsibilities of a citizen in a society. Divine Command - The divine command theory states that an action's morality is based on its adherence to the command of God. An act can only be ethical if it obeys God’s law, and the Word of God overrides any other law, custom, or inclination. Kantian duty was developed by Immanuel Kant, who didn't feel that fulfilling a duty was a sufficient standard for morality. Kant believed a moral act must be accomplished deliberately and for the specific intent of fulfilling that duty. To accidentally drop a sandwich in front of a beggar or to donate money as a tax write-off are not ethical acts—the first because it was not deliberate, the second because it was not done with altruistic motives. Philosophers have also added qualifiers to deontology. Contemporary Deontology teaches that, even if an act is performed out of duty, it cannot ethical if it causes harm to another—unless that harm will bring about a greater good. The Non-Aggression Principle is similar, insisting that violence is only allowed in self-defense. What deontological ethics does right is that it takes the standard of morality out of humanity's hands and places it in something with absolute authority. Unfortunately, deontologists then argue about the source of that authority. The Bible is clear: God created us with the purpose of having communion with Him (John 15:14-15). To that end, He has given us standards that will lead us into fulfilling our purpose. "Morals" and "ethics" are human words for godly righteousness that reflects the character of God while recognizing His sovereignty and glory. The categories of deontology are just snapshots of God's rule. -- Source: http://www.gotquestions.org